Seattle Public Schools issues new guidance after false ICE reports trigger lockdowns

Seattle Public Schools (SPS), Washington state’s largest school district, has issued new guidance outlining how schools should respond to reports of immigration enforcement activity near campuses. The announcement comes about one week after six South Seattle schools were placed into shelter-in-place status following false reports of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in nearby neighborhoods. According to KOMO News, school staff never observed ICE agents, and no enforcement activity was confirmed.

Seattle Police Department officials also said they did not receive any verified reports of ICE presence near school campuses on the day of the lockdowns. Despite the lack of confirmation, several schools initiated safety protocols, locking exterior doors and restricting movement as a precaution. District officials later acknowledged that the shelter-in-place decisions were based on community reports and social media activity rather than direct observation by school or law enforcement personnel.

In at least one instance, reports originated from social media posts describing “suspicious” vehicles near Roosevelt High School. A photo of unmarked vehicles parked near the campus was circulated online and was later posted to the Roosevelt High School yearbook’s Instagram account. The post described the activity as “unconfirmed” and noted that individuals were “drawing connections” to recent national immigration enforcement actions.

The district stated it was unable to verify whether the vehicles were affiliated with any law enforcement agency or were conducting official business. Some of the schools that initiated shelter-in-place procedures were located miles apart, prompting SPS to characterize the response as a citywide action based on multiple community reports.

On Tuesday, Superintendent Fred Podesta sent a letter to families and staff announcing new district-wide guidance and resources related to immigration enforcement concerns. In the letter obtained by The Ari Hoffman Show on Talk Radio 570 KVI, Podesta emphasized the district’s commitment to immigrant students and families, writing that they are “valued and beloved members of our SPS community,” and acknowledged heightened concerns related to immigration enforcement nationwide.

Under the new guidance, if a school leader becomes aware of a rumor or report of immigration enforcement activity near a campus, they are instructed to notify the district’s Safety and Security office. That office will assess the report and determine next steps in coordination with school leadership.

The guidance also reiterates that immigration enforcement agents will not be granted access to school buildings unless Seattle Public Schools' legal counsel verifies a valid judicial warrant, citing existing superintendent procedures limiting immigration enforcement at schools. Seattle Public Schools also directed families to resources, including “know your rights” materials, legal assistance, family preparedness planning, and the City of Seattle’s rapid response program. Community members are encouraged to report concerns through the district’s Safe Schools Hotline, which operates 24 hours a day.

District officials said the updated guidance is intended to provide clarity and consistency in response to future reports while maintaining a focus on student safety and community trust. SPS has not indicated whether it plans to review or revise shelter-in-place protocols in light of the unverified reports that led to last week’s lockdowns.